STNA...then to ADN? How hard is nursing school, intimidated hence I am a single mom.

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I am currently in the STNA (CNA) program and soon to finish; hoping I can pass my state testing :)

A few years ago, I was trying to get into a "selective admissions" program, but I never made the cut because of my low ACT scores. So I switched to business (it was not competitive). I am currently regretting this decision, as there are no jobs with this degree, no job security, ect. When I was at a community college trying to get into this health program prior, I had all A's in my Algebra courses, Anatomy and Physiology(1 and 2), Microbiology & Immunology. I had a B in Statistics and the only area I seemed to struggle with was chemistry...(I had C's in my chem courses). With that being said I left that college with around a 3.4 GPA, with all the pre req's.

I really want to be an RN. I am scared though because I have a friend that is a nurse and seems to give me the attitude/perception how hard school was and her job is currently. Sometimes I feel she is not happy with her job, but she has never said so. I am a single mom, very persistent and determined person. I am a very good student when it comes to the books, observant, good attention to detail and disciplined. My goal would be to complete the ADN program; the school I want to go to has a minimum of 2.7 GPA requirement (in replace of ACT score).......

I am scared! I am not sure if I can do it, I just don't want to waste my time. Any tips or suggestions? I feel like I need words of encouragement!?

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You can do it! I am also a single mom, and a medical assistant working towards becoming a LPN. Yes nursing school is difficult, but you clearly have the brains to do it. A 3.4 GPA is not bad at all! I hope that you have family/friend support, since nursing school will take a significant amount of time; its a HUGE and total commitment. Good luck on your journey! And always remember that you are doing this for you and your LO!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Keep in mind that the "minimum requirements" outlined in the course catalogue don't take into account the extremely high demand right now. Schools are getting enormous amounts of applicants, so they usually rank them in order of various criteria (including GPA) and start the selection process at the top. So, depending on the quality of the applicant pool - the actual minumum GPA that was accepted is probably much high.

Whatever you do - PLEASE do not give in to the lure of commercial (for profit) schools that promise 'no waiting' - 'start today'. You will pay dearly for that immediate gratification... tuition is many times that of traditional schools. Even if you are unable to complete the program, the debt would remain. The resulting financial burden would be horrible - especially for a single mom.

Keep on applying - widen your horizon to include any affordable school within a reasonale distance. Take the time to talk to admissions advisors to see what you can to to make your application rise to the top. Maybe re-take those chemistry courses?

Another thought - have you looked into other types of health careers such as respiratory therapy, radiology tech, ultrasound, etc.? They also have similar educational requirements & job prospects.

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Keep on applying - widen your horizon to include any affordable school within a reasonale distance. Take the time to talk to admissions advisors to see what you can to to make your application rise to the top. Maybe re-take those chemistry courses?

Another thought - have you looked into other types of health careers such as respiratory therapy, radiology tech, ultrasound, etc.? They also have similar educational requirements & job prospects.

I have received an acceptance letter from a radiology technician program previously (when I was applying for another health care field), but I did not want to get into the program...I really did not know much about the profession. And also I have heard too many people going into physical or respiratory therapy and having a hard time finding job placement...I need job security.

I have definitely thought about re-taking the chemistry courses! Not sure if I could get any higher than a C....I have never really understood chemistry like the back of my hand, not even in highschool :(

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